Canada Road Trips

Road Tripping along Quebec’s Côte-Nord

October 14, 2025 By Robin and Arlene Karpan Leave a Comment

Route des Baleines, or Whale Route, along the Côte-Nord in Quebec. Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan.

The coastal route in Quebec’s Côte-Nord ranks among Canada’s great road trips. From Tadoussac at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, Highway 138 follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence for about 840 kilometres to the end of the road at Kegaska, not far from the border with Labrador. The most popular section is the 650-kilometre stretch from Tadoussac to Havre St-Pierre, the main jumping-off point to visit Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, a group of islands just offshore.

The road is known as the Route des Baleines, or Whale Route, with a reputation for being among the best places in the world for whale watching. An astounding 13 whale species frequent these waters. Several places along the route offer whale watching excursions, plus it is not at all unusual to see whales right from shore.

Humpback whale. Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan.

The trip combines spectacular coastal and mountain scenery with wildlife, including whales and seabird colonies, historic sites, a chance to connect with Innu culture, parks and nature preserves galore, waterfalls, and picture-perfect coastal communities. As a bonus, the traffic dwindles as we venture farther east, even in summer.

38 Awesome Things To Do in Manitoba

September 16, 2025 By Matthew G. Bailey 41 Comments

The Forks in Winnipeg is one of the best things to do in Manitoba. — The Forks, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

If Canada were a novel, Manitoba would be one of those chapters you think you can skim—until you realize it’s where all the good plot twists happen. Smack dab in the middle of the country, this prairie province is often overlooked, but that just makes discovering it all the more rewarding. From polar bear encounters on the edge of Hudson Bay to canoeing through endless lakes in the Canadian Shield, Manitoba is where raw wilderness meets vibrant culture. Whether you’re chasing northern lights, wandering through historic cities, or canoeing next to Beluga whales, this province delivers experiences that are as unexpected as they are unforgettable.

So if you thought Manitoba was just wheat fields and winter, you couldn’t be more wrong. Here are the best things to do in Manitoba that’ll prove this province deserves a permanent spot on your Canadian bucket list.

17 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

May 27, 2025 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

Alberta Road Trips in the Kananaskis

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers who specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

3 of the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trips in Saskatchewan

March 18, 2025 By Robin and Arlene Karpan Leave a Comment

Road Trips in Saskatchewan — The small community of Ellisboro in the Qu’Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan. Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan.

With more kilometres of roads than any other province, Saskatchewan excels as a place for backroad adventures. When we take the road less travelled, the journey becomes every bit as important as the destination. We discover hidden secrets missed by those rushing along the Trans Canada Highway. Plus we never have to contend with heavy traffic. Here are three of our favourite routes that reveal little-known gems in southern Saskatchewan.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Drumheller

December 10, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Drumheller Welcome Sign. — Don’t miss the welcome sign!

Alberta is a special place. It has the Canadian Rockies to the west, the prairies to the south, the boreal forest to the north, and the spectacular badlands somewhat in the middle. Located just 1.5 hours northeast of Calgary, Drumheller is one of the most scenic places in the province and one of the top places in the world for Dinosaur enthusiasts.

About 75 million years ago, Drumheller was a hotspot for Dinosaurs. Despite its dry-looking landscapes today, it was once home to an inland lake with a tropical climate and lush vegetation. In 1884, the future of modern Drumheller began, thanks to a discovery by geologist J. B. Tyrrell, who stumbled upon dinosaur bones while searching for coal.

Along with Calgary, Banff, and the Canadian Rockies, Drumheller is one of Alberta’s top things to do. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, Drumheller is bound to satisfy your Dinosaur crush, with epic badland scenery and the best Dinosaur museum in the world.

If you happen to make it to this incredible place, here are some ideas for what to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

Best Road Trips from Montreal | Lanaudière-Mauricie

October 15, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

From outdoor adventure to all-inclusive forest resorts, this is your guide to one of the best road trips from Montreal.

Road trips from Montreal.

Montreal is one of the most beautiful Canadian cities to visit. But sometimes it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle and explore the countryside, smaller towns, and natural beauty that make Quebec such a top destination. One of the best places to bask in the beauty of Quebec is the Lanaudiere-Mauricie region, which can be reached within two hours of Montreal and offers loads of beautiful resorts, unique accommodations, and more.

82 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

August 6, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 171 Comments

drone photography of panther valley alberta canada — Panther Valley, Alberta.

From boreal forests to vast prairies and high mountain peaks, Alberta is an incredible province to explore. Born and raised in Alberta, I certainly feel that I know Alberta better than most. I’ve been to each major city and almost every small town in the province, giving me great insight into the province that I call home.

Although Alberta is one of only two provinces that are landlocked, Alberta is about as diverse as it gets. From looking at Dinosaur skeletons in the badlands and hiking some of the tallest mountain peaks in the country to splashing around in North America’s largest indoor waterpark and driving one of the world’s most scenic highways, Alberta is an incredible place to explore.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the mountains, or everything in between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the wonderful province of Alberta.

Exploring Cypress Hills Saskatchewan

July 23, 2024 By Robin and Arlene Karpan Leave a Comment

Cypress Hills Saskatchewan — Sunrise at the Conglomerate Cliffs, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Saskatchewan. Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan.

The Cypress Hills take you by surprise, revealing one of Canada’s most pleasant landscapes with its unique blend of grasslands, forests, and highlands. Unlike the surrounding plains, the upper reaches of the hills remained untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age, leaving some of the highest land in Canada between the Rockies and Labrador.

While in the prairies, the Cypress Hills also have a lot in common with the northern forest and foothills of the Rockies, with a cooler climate and thick stands of white spruce and lodgepole pine. This combination of habitats makes for outstanding wildflower displays with species more common to the foothills growing next to grassland flowers. Of special note is the high number of wild orchids, with showy blooms such as the Calypso Orchid or the delicate Round-leaved Orchid.

The Best Parks for Camping in Lake Superior

June 18, 2024 By Robin and Arlene Karpan Leave a Comment

Neys Provincial Park, Ontario is a great place for camping in Lake Superior. — Beach on Lake Superior, Neys Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Photo by Robin and Arlene Karpan.

Wanna go camping in Lake Superior?

The north shore of Lake Superior ranks among Canada’s great driving routes. Travelling the Trans Canada Highway between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie gives us access to a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, wild rivers, waterfalls, canoe routes, history, and hiking trails galore. Many key areas are preserved in parks, including a variety of Ontario Provincial Parks and the beautiful Pukaskwa National Park as well.

If ever a route was tailor-made for camping, this would be it. Park campgrounds allow us to stay in the midst of the best that nature has to offer, where we can look out our tent door next to the beach and watch the sun setting over the world’s largest lake.

These are some of our favourite parks for camping in Superior Lake.

32 of the Best Things to Do in Saskatchewan

October 18, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 42 Comments

Grasslands National Park is one of the best things to do in Saskatchewan. — Embracing the beauty of Grasslands National Park in Southern Saskatchewan.

Last Updated: October 18th, 2022

One of only two landlocked provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan is widely known for its flat prairie landscapes, but it’s also home to chiselled badlands, thick boreal forests, sand dunes, and thousands of lakes. It’s very much an “outdoor” province as it doesn’t have any major metropolitan centres. However, it does have some cool cities and towns, including Saskatoon, which has one of the youngest demographics in Canada.

Located on the Western side of Canada, east of Alberta, Saskatchewan is often overlooked during a cross-Canada road trip. But that’s a big mistake. After exploring Saskatchewan a lot during the last five years, it’s become one of our favourites, thanks in part to the incredible landscapes of Grasslands National Park, the bustling food scene of Saskatoon, and the beautiful lakes such as Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park. You’ll even find old tunnels below the town of Moose Jaw that were used by Al Capone back in the prohibition days, fascinating indigenous culture, and sand dunes in the north that look like something you’d find in Saudi Arabia. Those looking for outdoor adventure away from the crowds, or a cool, hip small city scene will love exploring Saskatchewan.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the badlands, or everything in between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the many things to do in Saskatchewan!

Things to Do in Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores

September 27, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park is only 30 minutes away from Yarmouth Nova Scotia.

If you’re interested in charming fishing villages, Acadian culture and history, lighthouses, delicious food, and seaside adventure, you’ll want to add Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores to your bucket list.

Located at the Western corner of Nova Scotia, not too far from the Annapolis Valley, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores is a charming, peaceful place that’s also home to some great adventures. It’s the intersection where English and Acadian cultures meet, home to loads of Canadian history and is a truly unique place to explore. Even at night, if you’re not busy dancing to some live music, you can gaze up at the dark skies, which form part of North America’s first starlight destinations.

So whether you’re coming to learn an interesting part of Canada’s history, chow down on some incredible seafood while admiring the ocean views, or looking to see bright shiny stars from distant galaxies, we’ve got you covered in our travel guide to Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores of Nova Scotia.

Canoeing in Canada: The Canadian Canoe Route Road Trip

September 6, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Canoeing in Canada at OWL Rafting, Ontario. — Canoeing in Canada at sunset near OWL Rafting, Ontario.

The Canadian Canoe has become one of Canada’s most recognized icons. Invented by the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, canoeing in Canada became a tool of diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration that made the creation of this country possible. Without the canoe, there may not be a “Canada”. After all, how else would the Europeans have explored such a vast and wild country full of rivers and lakes? How else would the voyageurs have travelled across the country trading furs and other goods?

While no longer a major mode of transportation, canoeing still serves as a popular pastime for exploring the vastness of Canada’s rivers and lakes, connecting Canadians to wild places while rewarding determination and hard work.

Now, with the Canadian Canoe Route, you can combine canoeing in Canada and a fun Ontario road trip that connects you with Canada’s past and present on a network of waterways and roads between Toronto and Ottawa. You’ll gain insight into the true “wonder” of the canoe with a hands-on experience that takes place on land and on the water. You’ll learn about the history of Canada and the canoe while also being immersed in nature by paddling your own canoe in flat water and/or whitewater, whitewater rafting, and exploring the Canadian Shield of the Ontario Highlands while enjoying many Canadian Signature Experiences.

Your Guide to Planning a Road Trip

August 9, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 209 Comments

One of the best parts about planning a road trip is deciding where to go. — The Fundy Trail Parkway is one of the best road trips in Canada.

If there’s anything we’re known for here at Must Do Canada, it’s probably road trips. From the Icefields Parkway to the Dempster Highway, we’ve been on many of the best road trips in Canada, not to mention all the road trips we’ve done in the USA, Mexico, Australia, and beyond.

For short road trips, we tend to just jump in the vehicle without thinking too much about it. We pack what we need, of course, but we don’t always plan for the potential setbacks that could happen, such as a flat tire or something else.

But just like travel insurance, it’s good to be prepared, especially for longer adventurous road trips.

So, in this guide to planning a road trip, which is sponsored by MotoMaster, SIMONIZ, Reflex and Bluehive, exclusive brands found at Canadian Tire, we’re going to cover everything you need to prepare for a road trip, including vehicle safety tips, vehicle accessories, road trip essentials, and more.

Your Guide to the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick

August 2, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

Fundy Trail Parkway and the amazing shades of green. — One of the many spectacular views along the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Located in Southern New Brunswick, the Fundy Trail Parkway is a 2,559-hectare park that features an unbelievably beautiful 30-kilometre (19 miles) drive that hugs the coastline of the Bay of Fundy. Taking more than two decades to fully complete, this drive is now one of the best road trips in Canada, offering stunning views of the Bay of Fundy, an array of hiking and biking trails, beautiful waterfalls, three lovely beaches, more than 20 gorgeous lookout points, a 60-metre suspension bridge, a massive canyon, and more than 600-million-year-old rock formations. The Fundy Trail Parkway is also part of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve, Stonehammer Geopark and the Trans Canada Trail.

It truly is a gorgeous place for a road trip, so if you’re keen on visiting New Brunswick, continue on to learn more about this popular attraction.

Weekend Getaways From Toronto

July 26, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Canada’s largest city is a great place to explore. From major league sports to world-class museums and attractions, there are loads of fun things to do in Toronto. However, sometimes we all need a road trip, and thankfully there are lots of weekend getaways from Toronto.

From world-famous destinations like Niagara Falls to cultural hotspots, rural areas, camping opportunities, and ski resorts, there are so many things to do within a five-hour radius of the big city.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor looking for more things to do outside of Toronto, we’ve got you covered with the best weekend getaways from Canada’s largest city.

The Ultimate Kootenays BC Road Trip

June 21, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Canoeing in Fernie BC — Canoeing is just one of the many activities you can do on a Kootenays BC Road Trip.

Imagine driving through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, passing numerous small mountain towns along the way, while enjoying delicious food, golfing, rafting, museums, mining tours, spas, and hot springs. This is what a Kootenays BC Road Trip is all about!

Starting in Fernie and moving up Highway 93 to Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park, this is truly one of the top road trips in Canada. The landscapes are unreal, the towns are stunning, and there are activities and attractions for everyone, including golfing, adventure travel, or just kicking back while enjoying a massage.

While the optimum time to see the Kootenays is at least one week (two is better), you can also pick and choose where you want to go based on what you want to do or see. The driving time between all the towns is actually quite short, which makes it easy to navigate.

Having just experienced a 10-day Kootenay BC road trip, we’re going to list out what we did to help you plan your own. In addition, we have travel guides on some of the many destinations in the Kootenays to further enhance your trip.

Things to Do on the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

December 21, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Cabot Trail

Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada. It offers a great mix of stunning views, beaches, hiking trails, small towns, and so much more. It’s also one of the best places to see fall colours in Canada.

In this travel guide, we’ll fill you in on the best way to explore Cabot Trail, including things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more!

Things to Do in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

December 7, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Annapolis Royal, Annapolis Valley Road Trip, Nova Scotia.

Quaint and charming, the Annapolis Valley is a popular place to visit during the summer months in Nova Scotia. Known as Nova Scotia’s wine country, not to mention home to some of Canada’s oldest historical sites, the Annapolis Valley is a great place to do a road trip, taking time to learn about history, taste some wine, tantalize your tastebuds with a delicious food scene, and even get into some adventure, such as whale watching, canoeing, hiking, and more.

The Annapolis Valley is a region located in the western part of the Nova Scotia peninsula, formed by a trough between two parallel mountain ranges along the shore of the Bay of Fundy. The valley measures approximately 126 kilometres (78 miles) in length from Digby and the Annapolis Basin in the west to Wolfville and the Minas Basin in the east, spanning the counties of Digby, Annapolis and Kings. The small towns, scenic views, and historic sites make for an excellent Nova Scotia road trip.

In this travel guide to the Annapolis Valley, we’ll fill you in on things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more.

What You Need to Know for Taking the Newfoundland Ferry

November 23, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 23 Comments

This is the Newfoundland Ferry, operated by Marine Atlantic

When it comes to taking the Newfoundland Ferry, most people are referring to Marine Atlantic, the company that transports people, vehicles, and products across the North Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. Due to tourism, locals who work in other provinces, and all the goods that make their way to the province, the ferry leaves every day and is quite popular.

In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about taking the ferry to Newfoundland or from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

The Best Road Trips During Fall in Canada

September 21, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Fall in Canada

During the Fall in Canada, landscapes turn from lush green to a range of bright colours including orange, yellow, and red. It’s truly a spectacular time to be out in nature but this doesn’t happen everywhere. As you know, Canada is a huge country and the landscapes vary greatly from coast to coast to coast. You just need to know where to go.

Road trips in Canada are incredible at any time of year. Whether it’s a winter road trip through the Rocky Mountains or a summer road trip through the prairies, there’s no better place in the world for an epic road trip.

In this article, we’re going to share with you the best road trips to experience the Fall in Canada.

Best Things to Do in the Alberta Foothills

September 14, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Cowboy Trail near Longview, Alberta.

Located on the outskirts of Calgary, the Alberta foothills are a great place to explore small towns, farms, artisans, and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the province. In fact, one of the things that make exploring Calgary so great is that when you’re done with the city, you have so much more waiting for you less than an hour away.

The Alberta foothills basically start where the Rocky Mountains finish, with rolling hills stretching all the way past Calgary until it truly becomes the wide-open prairies. It’s one of the most scenic areas in the province because you have these beautifully lush hills and small towns with views of the Canadian Rockies in the distance.

The Alberta Foothills also has a special place in our hearts because we called it home for a decade and in a way, it’s still home as we can leave our apartment in Calgary and be in places like Bragg Creek or Okotoks in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re flying into Calgary for an Alberta adventure or on a road trip in Alberta, the Alberta Foothills should be on your bucket list, and in this guide, we’re gonna show you why!

32 of the Best Road Trip Essentials

July 19, 2021 By Bailey Storey 21 Comments

Driving Icefields Parkway Jasper — The Icefields Parkway highway cuts through the Canadian Rocky Mountains during the fall season.

Road Trip Essentials: Updated June 30, 2022

Whether you’ve got a few weeks or just a few hours to get out and explore our country, road trips are a great way to feel more together with your friends and family.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know much we love road trips. In fact, it was a 150-day road trip across Canada that launched our Youtube channel back in 2017. What’s not to love about a road trip? You have a vehicle that gives you the freedom to go where you want to go, the comfort of having a bunch of things with you, and you get to see the scenery as you move from place to place. It’s the ultimate form of travel in our opinion, and Canada is one of the best places to do one.

But planning what to pack for your road trip can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t do it very often. That’s why we’ve created this article to help you pack the best road trip essentials for your next road trip.

7 of the Best Quebec Road Trips

June 15, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 14 Comments

As Canada’s largest province, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Quebec. From the cosmopolitan city of Montreal to the whale-watching splendors of Tadoussac, Quebec has it all. This is what makes Quebec road trips such a great experience. Whether you’re looking to explore the cities, the wilderness, the small French towns, or everything in-between, there are lots of great road trips in Quebec.

15 Beautiful Alberta Road Trips

April 27, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 46 Comments

This Kananaskis Alberta Road Trip is one of our favourites.

Quite possibly the most varied province in Canada, there are so many incredible Alberta road trips. From the rugged Canadian badlands to the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, Alberta has everything you could want. Whether it’s exploring the wide-open prairies or one of Canada’s most photographed lakes, there’s an Alberta road trip for everyone.

Alberta is also the home province of Must Do Canada and we know this place better than anyone. We’ve driven from North to South and from West to East, chronicling many of our experiences on this website and on our Youtube channel. Alberta is our backyard and we love it here.

Whether you’re looking for a summer road trip, a winter road trip, or just a weekend getaway from one of the big cities, we’ve got 15 Alberta road trip itineraries for you to choose from.

Your Guide to How to RV in Canada

April 20, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 25 Comments

RV in Canada in Jasper National Park.

With more Canadians poised to RV in Canada for the first time, we thought it would be a good idea to create a travel guide to help you make the best of it. After all, road trips in Canada are one of the best ways to explore the world’s second-largest country.

So whether you’re looking for certain tips, laws, or regulations, or just looking for ideas of where to park your RV in Canada, this travel guide will help you make the best decision.

8 of the Best Ontario Road Trips

March 30, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 60 Comments

Ontario Road Trips to Algonquin Park

With over a million square kilometres of terrain to explore, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ontario. Canada’s second-largest province is home to everything from lakes and rivers, to cities and culture. One of the best ways to see all that Ontario has to offer is to take one of the many incredible Ontario road trips, whether that’s exploring major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, or getting out into the wilderness and exploring one of the millions of lakes around the province.

So without further ado, here are the 8 best Ontario road trips for you to take this summer.

14 of the Best Day Trips from Calgary

March 15, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 23 Comments

Updated: March 15th, 2021

While there are plenty of awesome things to do in Calgary, sometimes you just want to get out and see more of the province. Luckily, Calgary has the best location in Alberta. With the Canadian Rockies to the West, the Canadian badlands to the east, and both the prairies and the foothills on its doorstep, there’s no short of fun day trips from Calgary. Whether you’re looking to go horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, or almost anything else you can think of, Calgary is a great place to be based.

In this Alberta travel guide, we’re going to share the best day trips from Calgary, which can easily be transformed into multi-day adventures if you have more time. There are lots of places you can choose from, and a range of both small and big towns, all offering their own unique charms and attractions.

Let’s get into it.

The Best Things to Do in Nordegg Alberta

February 9, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Siffleur Falls Alberta Canada — Is David Thompson Country the most beautiful place on Earth?

Updated: February 5, 2021

Located in magical David Thompson Country, smack dab in the middle of both the incredible Icefields Parkway and the Cowboy Trail, Nordegg is a picturesque community that’s perfect for the outdoor adventurer. From exploring its historic mine to hitting the road and exploring some of Alberta’s most stunning natural scenery, Nordegg is a great base for getting out into some of Canada’s most spectacular nature.

Nordegg, however, is just one small part of David Thompson Country, so we’ll explore the entire area in this travel guide, showing you what to do, where to stay, and how to get the most out of this incredible Alberta road trip. [Read more…] about The Best Things to Do in Nordegg Alberta

Banff to Jasper: What You Need to Know for Driving the Icefields Parkway

February 3, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 31 Comments

Icefields Parkway Banff to Jasper — Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper in the fall.

Icefields Parkway Guide Last updated: September 3rd, 2022

Alberta is home to some of the top road trips in Canada, including the stretch from Banff to Jasper (or from Jasper to Banff), which is perhaps the most beautiful road trip in the country. In fact, various publications have awarded the Icefields Parkways as one of the most scenic road trips on the planet as it takes you through two Canadian Rockies national parks and all kinds of natural beauty including towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and rivers, glaciers, and lush alpine forest.

The Icefields Parkway itself stretches for approximately 233km from Lake Louise to Jasper, but it clocks in at 288km if you include the drive from Banff to Jasper. Without stopping, it would take around four hours in good weather. However, it would be silly to drive this beautiful route without stopping to admire the natural attractions or take part in one of the many activities. If you can’t make the drive yourself, there are plenty of tour companies offering the experience as well.

The drive is also located in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, which can be home to some inhospitable weather, especially during the winter months. Before setting out on the adventure, be sure to check in for road closures and hazards. You’ll also want to take particular care during the winter months as the roads are slippery and the weather can be very cold should your vehicle decide to break down. Even in the summer, there are hazards though, including wildlife encounters both on the road and on the trails, not to mention a lot of traffic.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your trip from Banff to Jasper as well as learn all the best things to do along the Icefields Parkway.

Best Road Trip Ever | Canada’s Road to 150

January 19, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

Updated: January 19th, 2021

It’s not very often that someone has the opportunity to travel across Canada for 150 days. That’s 5 months of travel across one of the biggest countries on Earth. But in 2017, that’s just what we did.

After a rough 2016, we were trying to come up with a big passion project for 2017. After mulling it over for some time, I wanted to do something that capitalized on the Canada150 momentum that seemed to be taking the world by storm. Wanting to create something that had “marketing flare”, I came up with the idea to do a 150-day road trip across. However, no one cares about a personal road trip. So, I decided to turn it into a documentary about what makes Canada special. The idea was to travel to each and every province and territory while interviewing people of all backgrounds as to why they think Canada is such a great country.

There was just one problem. We needed funding. [Read more…] about Best Road Trip Ever | Canada’s Road to 150